Kielbasa is a type of smoked sausage that is extremely popular, especially during the summer grilling season. With its robust flavor and juicy texture, kielbasa makes a tasty addition to any barbecue. However, there are a few tricks to grilling kielbasa perfectly so it turns out juicy and flavorful every time. Here are some tips on the best way to grill kielbasa for your next cookout.
Should You Grill Kielbasa Whole or Cut into Pieces?
You can grill kielbasa whole or cut it into pieces. There are pros and cons to each method:
- Grilling whole: This keeps the kielbasa intact so it retains its shape. It also requires less prep work. However, it can be harder to get even cooking and charring when grilling a whole kielbasa.
- Cut into pieces: Cutting kielbasa into 2-3 inch pieces makes it easier to get an even char and cook through on all sides. The pieces will also cook faster. However, the kielbasa will lose its classic shape.
In general, cutting the kielbasa makes the grilling process easier. But keeping it whole has a nice presentation. So consider your priorities when deciding whether to cut it up or not.
Should You Parboil Kielbasa Before Grilling?
Many people recommend parboiling kielbasa briefly before throwing it on the grill. Here are the pros and cons of parboiling:
- Pros: Parboiling helps render fat, reduces grilling time, and can prevent split skins.
- Cons: Parboiling leeches out flavor, creates a greasy grill surface, and can make the texture mushy.
Our recommendation is to skip the parboiling. Focus on grilling the kielbasa slowly over a lower heat instead. This allows the fat to render gradually without overcooking.
What Temperature Should You Grill Kielbasa?
The best temperature for grilling kielbasa is a direct medium heat between 350-450°F. This relatively low heat allows the kielbasa to cook through slowly while also getting nicely browned and charred on the outside.
If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red with some lighter ashy areas. Place the kielbasa on the cooler side, not directly over the hottest coals. For a gas grill, preheat to medium heat and adjust the burners as needed to maintain an even temperature.
How Long Does Kielbasa Take to Grill?
Grilling times can vary based on thickness, whether you cut the kielbasa or not, and grill temperature. Here are some general guidelines:
- Whole kielbasa: 20-30 minutes
- Kielbasa pieces: 8-12 minutes
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Kielbasa should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If over a direct high heat, keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Grilling Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Kielbasa
Follow these tips for perfectly grilled kielbasa:
- Pat kielbasa dry before grilling to help it brown.
- Use a two-zone fire and move kielbasa to hotter area just to char at the end.
- Resist poking kielbasa while grilling so juices don’t escape.
- Glaze kielbasa in last 5 minutes only to avoid burning sauce.
- Let kielbasa rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
What to Serve with Grilled Kielbasa
Kielbasa pairs well with a variety of sides, including:
- Sauerkraut – Grilled kielbasa and sauerkraut are a classic combo!
- Potato salad – Creamy potato salad balances the smoky kielbasa.
- Grilled veggies – Peppers, onions, zucchini all complement the sausage.
- Baked beans – Sweet, smoky beans pair perfectly with kielbasa.
- Mustard – Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard enhance the flavor.
For an easy sheet pan meal, mix kielbasa pieces with sliced potatoes and veggies. Grill or roast together for perfect accompaniments!
Top Kielbasa Glaze Ideas
While delicious on its own, glazing kielbasa can add even more flavor. Try these easy homemade glazes:
| Glaze | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| BBQ | Ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder |
| Mustard | Spicy brown mustard, maple syrup, chili flakes |
| Jalapeño-Honey | Honey, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice |
| Asian | Hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger |
When glazing, wait until the last 5 minutes of grilling so the sugar doesn’t burn. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat kielbasa.
Conclusion
Grilling kielbasa is simple but using the right technique results in plump, juicy sausage with a nice char. Grill slowly over medium heat, don’t poke while cooking, let rest before eating, and consider a flavorful glaze. Pair kielbasa with sauerkraut, baked beans, or grilled veggies for a delicious barbecue meal.